Mere
Author: Danielle Giles
Published by: Mantle
Pages:375
Format: Hardback
My Rating: ★★★★
Published by: Mantle
Pages:375
Format: Hardback
My Rating: ★★★★
Norfolk, 990 AD. Deep in the Fens, isolated by a vast and treacherous mere, an order of holy sisters make their home. Under the steely guidance of Abbess Sigeburg they follow God’s path, looking to their infirmarian, Hilda, to provide what comfort and cures she can.
But when the mere takes a young servant boy, Sigeburg’s grip falters and Hilda quickly realizes this place holds secrets darker and more unholy than she can fathom.
Then proud Sister Wulfrun, a recent arrival to the convent, has a vision: a curse is upon them, and change must be brought. Is she saint or serpent? To Hilda, Wulfrun is a signal bolder and brighter than any fire set – one she cannot help but follow . . .
But when the mere takes a young servant boy, Sigeburg’s grip falters and Hilda quickly realizes this place holds secrets darker and more unholy than she can fathom.
Then proud Sister Wulfrun, a recent arrival to the convent, has a vision: a curse is upon them, and change must be brought. Is she saint or serpent? To Hilda, Wulfrun is a signal bolder and brighter than any fire set – one she cannot help but follow . . .
My thoughts:
Danielle Giles’ Mere is an impressive debut that drew me in from the very first page. I was completely captivated by the characters; each one layered, complex, and developed with such care. Watching them grow and unravel over the course of the novel was one of the most rewarding aspects of the reading experience for me, and I found myself deeply invested in their fates.
At its heart, Mere is a story about relationships - how people’s lives intertwine, how secrets ripple beneath the surface, and how fragile connections can be when tested by darker undercurrents. Giles places her characters within an evocative setting that feels both haunting and alive, pulling the reader into a world that is atmospheric, tense, and at times unsettling. The plot moves with a quiet intensity, drawing you further in with every chapter while still allowing space for reflection on the human emotions at its core.
What struck me most in reading Mere was Giles’ remarkable ability to craft atmosphere. She paints a dark, disturbing world that seeps under your skin, yet within it tells a hauntingly beautiful story. The balance between unsettling tension and lyrical storytelling kept me enthralled throughout, and I found it impossible to put down.
I was lucky enough to attend a book launch event for Mere, where Giles herself spoke at Mr B’s Emporium with eloquence and insight about her work. Listening to her discuss the inspirations behind the novel, as well as the writing process, added an extra depth to my appreciation of the book. She was fascinating to listen to, and it gave me a greater sense of the thoughtfulness and intention woven into every page.
As debut novels go, this is an exciting one. Giles has clearly arrived with a strong and distinctive voice. Mere is a book that lingers long after the final page, and I am already eager to see what the author writes next.
Overall reaction:
Danielle Giles’ Mere is an impressive debut that drew me in from the very first page. I was completely captivated by the characters; each one layered, complex, and developed with such care. Watching them grow and unravel over the course of the novel was one of the most rewarding aspects of the reading experience for me, and I found myself deeply invested in their fates.
At its heart, Mere is a story about relationships - how people’s lives intertwine, how secrets ripple beneath the surface, and how fragile connections can be when tested by darker undercurrents. Giles places her characters within an evocative setting that feels both haunting and alive, pulling the reader into a world that is atmospheric, tense, and at times unsettling. The plot moves with a quiet intensity, drawing you further in with every chapter while still allowing space for reflection on the human emotions at its core.
What struck me most in reading Mere was Giles’ remarkable ability to craft atmosphere. She paints a dark, disturbing world that seeps under your skin, yet within it tells a hauntingly beautiful story. The balance between unsettling tension and lyrical storytelling kept me enthralled throughout, and I found it impossible to put down.
I was lucky enough to attend a book launch event for Mere, where Giles herself spoke at Mr B’s Emporium with eloquence and insight about her work. Listening to her discuss the inspirations behind the novel, as well as the writing process, added an extra depth to my appreciation of the book. She was fascinating to listen to, and it gave me a greater sense of the thoughtfulness and intention woven into every page.
As debut novels go, this is an exciting one. Giles has clearly arrived with a strong and distinctive voice. Mere is a book that lingers long after the final page, and I am already eager to see what the author writes next.
Overall reaction:
